Traffic merging system

ABSTRACT

A system for merging traffic including a through lane for conveying traffic in a traffic flow direction, a merge lane for introducing additional traffic into the through lane, the merge lane including a parallel portion that is generally parallel to the through lane, and the merge lane including a merge portion, at least a downstream portion of the merge portion converging into the through lane, and a lane change inhibitor disposed between the through lane and the parallel portion of the merge lane prohibiting traffic from crossing laterally between the through lane and the parallel portion of the merge lane.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The teaching disclosed herein relates to one or more systems for merging traffic, and in particular to systems and methods for merging traffic on a first roadway with traffic on a second roadway.

BACKGROUND

U.S. Pat. No. 3,188,927 (Woods) discloses a system that provides a guide for controlling the spacing between cars. The guide comprises dots or markers on the surface of highways at spaced intervals down the center of each traffic lane. The system also comprises roadside signs that instruct drivers how to maintain adequate spacing between vehicles consistent with the speed of traffic on that highway or that particular stretch of highway. Preferably the distance between dots on the surface of the roadway will vary to suit the particular road or traffic conditions. At merger points or entrance points on high speed highways, it is desirable to increase the distance between dots and thereby provide greater space between moving vehicles to permit the merger or entrance of other vehicles into the moving lane of traffic. If the spacing is maintained and the cars do not close up, the two lanes can merge at a good rate of speed with considerably more safety than the usual starting and stopping associated with bumper-to-bumper traffic.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,593,262 (Spencer) discloses a traffic control system for providing a merge junction between first and second vehicular paths. The system includes a means for detecting movement of a vehicle along the second path towards the junction, and a first set of indicators arranged in succession along a length of the first path and in advance of the junction. The indicators are controlled by the detecting means to direct the creation of a moving gap in the traffic on the first path. The moving gap is arranged to arrive at the merge junction simultaneously with a merging vehicle so that the merging vehicle can safely merge with the traffic on the first path.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,025,525 (Van Der Poel) discloses a system for effecting merging of a first vehicle traveling in a first roadway with successive vehicles traveling in a second roadway. The system includes a sensor capable of detecting the movement of the successive vehicles in the second roadway; conversion means for determining from the detected movement when the distance between the successive vehicles permits merging; and a road-marking arrangement for producing a guidance light visible to at least the first vehicle and seemingly moving with the two successive vehicles. The light indicates when merging is permitted. The dynamic road marking system enables higher traffic intensities on roadways and improved traffic safety.

SUMMARY

The following summary is intended to introduce the reader to this specification, but not to define any invention. In general, this specification discusses one or more systems for merging traffic.

In one example, there is a system for merging traffic comprising: a through lane for conveying traffic in a traffic flow direction; a merge lane for introducing additional traffic into the through lane, the merge lane including a parallel portion that is generally parallel to the through lane, and the merge lane including a merge portion, at least a downstream portion of the merge portion converging into the through lane; and a lane change inhibitor disposed between the through lane and the parallel portion of the merge lane prohibiting traffic from crossing laterally between the through lane and the parallel portion of the merge lane.

In some examples, the system may further comprise a yield indicator associated with the through lane for indicating traffic in the through lane to yield to at least some traffic in the merge lane. The yield indicator may be indicated on a surface of the through lane.

In some examples, the merge portion may have a length of approximately four car lengths.

In another example, there is a system for merging traffic comprising: a through lane for conveying traffic in a traffic flow direction; a merge lane for introducing additional traffic into the through lane, the merge lane including a parallel portion that is generally parallel to the through lane, and the merge lane including a merge portion, at least a downstream portion of the merge portion converging into the through lane; and a plurality of first spacing markers associated with the through lane and configured to urge traffic in the through lane to remain spaced apart in the traffic flow direction by at least a pre-determined spacing distance.

In some examples, the system may further comprise a plurality of second spacing markers associated with the merge lane and configured to urge traffic in the merge lane to remain spaced apart in the traffic flow direction by at least the pre-determined spacing distance.

In some examples, the first spacing markers correspond in an alternating fashion to the second plurality of spacing markers in at least the parallel portion of the merge lane.

In some examples, each of the first spacing markers and the second spacing markers has a first end, a second end, and a length extending between the first and second end, wherein the length of the first plurality of spacing markers and the second plurality of spacing markers is approximately two car lengths.

In another example, there is a system for merging traffic comprising: a through lane for conveying traffic in a traffic flow direction; a merge lane for introducing additional traffic into the through lane, the merge lane including a parallel portion that is generally parallel to the through lane, and the merge lane including a merge portion, at least a downstream portion of the merge portion converging into the through lane; a plurality of second spacing markers associated with the merge lane and configured to urge traffic in the merge lane to remain spaced apart in the traffic flow direction by at least the pre-determined spacing distance.

In another example, there is a system for merging traffic comprising:

-   -   a) a first roadway including at least one through lane;     -   b) a second roadway joined to the through lane, the second         roadway comprising:         -   i) a converging portion directed obliquely towards the             through lane,         -   ii) a parallel portion adjoining to and parallel to the             through lane, the parallel portion having a proximal end             adjacent the converging portion, and a distal end opposite             the proximal end,         -   iii) a merge portion extending from the distal end of the             parallel portion to a termination of the second roadway,     -   c) a first plurality of spacing markers associated with the         first roadway;     -   d) a second plurality of spacing markers associated with the         second roadway;     -   e) a yield indicator associated with the first roadway, the         yield indicator located adjacent to the distal end of the         parallel portion; and     -   f) a continuous lane change inhibitor indicated in between the         first roadway and the second roadway adjacent to the parallel         portion,     -   wherein the first plurality of spacing markers correspond in an         alternating fashion to the second plurality of spacing markers         in at least the parallel portion.

In some examples, the yield indicator may be indicated on a surface of the first roadway.

In some examples, the yield indicator may include a textual message.

In some examples, the first plurality of spacing markers may correspond in an alternating fashion to the second plurality of spacing markers in at least a portion of the converging portion.

In some examples, the first plurality of spacing markers may be indicated on the surface of the first roadway.

In some examples, the first plurality of spacing markers may be indicated on signs posted adjacent to the first roadway.

In some examples, the second plurality of spacing markers may be indicated on the surface of the second roadway.

In some examples, the second plurality of spacing markers may be indicated on signs adjacent to the second roadway.

In some examples, the first plurality of spacing markers and the second plurality of spacing markers may each individually have a first end, a second end, and a length defined by the first and second end, wherein the length of the first plurality of spacing markers and the second plurality of spacing markers is approximately two car lengths.

In some examples, the first plurality of spacing markers and the second plurality of spacing markers may each individually have a first end, a second end, and a length defined by the first and second end, wherein the length of the first plurality of spacing markers and the second plurality of spacing markers is approximately 10 meters.

In some examples, the merge portion may have a length defined by the distal end of the parallel portion and the termination of the second roadway, wherein the length of the merge portion is approximately four car lengths.

In some examples, the merge portion may have a length defined by the distal end of the parallel portion and the termination of the second roadway, wherein the length of the merge portion is approximately 20 meters.

In some examples, the merge portion may comprise at least one arrow marker pointing from the merge portion towards the through lane.

In some examples, the first roadway may have multiple through lanes.

In some examples, the continuous lane change inhibitor may be at least one solid line.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings included herewith are for illustrating various examples of articles, methods, and apparatuses of the present specification and are not intended to limit the scope of what is taught in any way. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system for merging traffic.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various apparatuses or processes will be described below to provide an example of an embodiment of each claimed invention. No embodiment described below limits any claimed invention and any claimed invention may cover processes or apparatuses that are not described below. The claimed inventions are not limited to apparatuses or processes having all of the features of any one apparatus or process described below or to features common to multiple or all of the apparatuses described below. It is possible that an apparatus or process described below is not an embodiment of any claimed invention. The applicants, inventors or owners reserve all rights that they may have in any invention disclosed in an apparatus or process described below that is not claimed in this document, for example the right to claim such an invention in a continuing application and do not intend to abandon, disclaim or dedicate to the public any such invention by its disclosure in this document.

Reference is made to FIG. 1, which illustrates an example of a merge system 10 for merging traffic. The merge system 10 includes a first roadway 12 having an upstream end 14 and a downstream end 16. Vehicles traveling on the first roadway travel in a traffic flow direction from the upstream end 14 towards the downstream end 16. The merge system further includes a second roadway 18 for introducing additional traffic into traffic on the first roadway.

The first roadway 12 includes at least one through lane for conveying traffic in the traffic flow direction. In the example illustrated, there is a through lane 20, which is a right hand lane when facing in the direction of travel. The through lane 20 is a continuous portion of the first roadway 12 that permits vehicles traveling on the roadway 12 to continue in that same lane throughout the system for merging traffic 10. The through lane 20 provides a continuous link between the upstream end 14 and the downstream end 16.

The through lane 20 includes an inner through lane boundary 22 (proximate the second roadway 18) and an outer through lane boundary 24. The boundaries 22, 24 each extend in parallel to the traffic flow direction and are spaced apart laterally to accommodate the width of a vehicle. The boundaries 22, 24 are, in the example illustrated, generally identified by lines provided on the surface of the roadway, extending lengthwise along the through lane 20 at either lateral side thereof. The boundaries can include alternative or additional structures, such as reflective elements embedded in the roadway intermittently along the edges of the lane. A change in the surface of the roadway, and/or the termination of a finished traffic-conveying surface, can also be used to identify the inner and outer through-lane boundaries.

In some examples, and as shown in FIG. 1, the first roadway 12 can have multiple through lanes. Typically, the additional through lanes are located directly adjacent to the through lane 20. In North America, the additional through lanes are typically located adjacent the left hand side of the through lane 20.

In some examples, the first roadway 12 may be a highway, a city street, an expressway or another portion of land designed and ordinarily used for vehicular traffic. Typically, the first roadway 12 has a finished traffic conveying surface such as concrete, asphalt or the like. In the through lane, the finished surface extends across the width of the through lane, i.e. across a width 26 extending laterally between the inner and outer through lane boundaries 22, 24. The width of the through lane is sized to permit at least some types of vehicles to travel on the first roadway 12 in the through lane. For example, the width 26 may permit a tractor-trailer, a car, or a motorbike to travel on the first roadway 12 in the through lane.

The second roadway 18 is generally similar to the first roadway 12 and typically adjoins to the through lane 20 of the first roadway 12. The second roadway 18 generally includes at least one merge lane 28 for conveying vehicles from the second roadway 18 into the first roadway 12. In particular, the merge lane 28 generally conveys traffic into the through lane 20. In some examples the second roadway may include multiple merge lanes and through lanes, or, as illustrated, the second roadway may be a single merge lane.

In some examples, as illustrated in FIG. 1, at least a portion of the second roadway 18 approaches the first roadway 12 at an oblique, non zero angle Θ). In some examples, the second roadway 18 provides a link from an intersecting highway, or expressway, to the first roadway 18, allowing vehicles to change which highway or expressway they are traveling on. In other examples the second roadway 18 may link a city street, or any other type of roadway to the first roadway 12. Typically, the second roadway 18 has a hard top surface such as concrete, asphalt or the like. Similar to the first roadway 12, the merge lane of the second roadway 18 can have a width 30 sized to accommodate vehicles traveling on the second roadway in the merge lane.

The merge lane 28 of the second roadway 18 comprises a parallel portion 32 that is generally parallel to the through lane 20, and a merge portion 34 that is generally downstream of the parallel portion 32. At least a downstream portion of the merge portion 34 converges into the through lane 20. The merge lane can also include a ramp portion 36 upstream of the parallel portion 32. In the illustrated example, a vehicle traveling on the second roadway 18 travels from the ramp portion 36 towards the merge portion 34.

In use, a vehicle travels on the second roadway 14, for example, after exiting an intersecting road and onto the second roadway 18. As the vehicle exits the intersecting road, the vehicle may travel on the ramp potion 36 until the vehicle reaches the parallel portion 32. The vehicle then travels on the parallel potion 32 until the vehicle reaches the merge portion 34, at which point the vehicle merges onto the through lane 20 of the first roadway 12. This process can be impeded and suffer from various problems in cases of heavy traffic congestion on the roadways. For example, in the absence of certain features provided in the applicant's teaching disclosed herein, a vehicle may merge too early or too late. Merging too early may include, for example, when the vehicle is not at a speed appropriate for merging or when the vehicle merges within the parallel portion 32. Merging too late may include, for example, when the vehicle needs to slow down or stop in order to merge prior to reaching the end of the merge portion. These and other similar scenarios may interrupt the smooth flow of traffic, particularly in the through lane 20. Aspects of the applicant's teaching disclosed herein can help to alleviate these and/or other problems.

The ramp portion 36 is the portion of the second roadway 18 that is directed obliquely at a non zero angle Θ towards the through lane 20. The non-zero angle Θ may be any angle. In some examples, the angle Θ depends on the type of roadway of the first roadway 12 and the second roadway 18. For example, a high speed intersection, such as on a highway may have a smaller angle Θ than a lower speed intersection, such as an inner city street.

The ramp portion 36 can have a first (upstream) end at an intersecting highway or roadway (not shown). For example, the ramp portion 36 can have a first end beginning at an off-ramp from an intersecting highway or at a turning lane of an intersecting street. The second (downstream) end of the ramp portion 36 is joined to the parallel portion 32. Typically the ramp portion 36 has the same width 30 as the rest of the merge lane 28.

The parallel portion 32 is typically adjoining to and parallel to the through lane 20. The parallel portion 32 typically has a proximal end 38 adjacent to the ramp portion 36, and a distal end 40 opposite the proximal end 38. Typically, the distal end 40 of the parallel portion is adjacent to the merge portion 34. The distance between proximal end 38 and distal end 40 defines the length of the parallel portion 32. The parallel portion 32 may have any length. In some examples the parallel portion 32 may have a length of a number of kilometers, or in some cases about 500 m. In other examples the parallel portion may have a length of two highway tractor-trailers. Typically, the parallel portion 32 has the same width 30 as the rest of the merge lane 28.

The merge portion 34 is also typically adjoining to and parallel to the through lane 20. The merge portion 34 extends from the distal end 40 of the parallel portion 32 to a termination 42 of the second roadway 18. The distance from the distal end 40 of the parallel portion 32 to the termination 42 of the second roadway 18 defines the length of the merge portion 34. The merge portion 34 may have any length. In some examples the length of the merge portion 34 may be the sum of four car lengths. In other examples the length of the merge portion 34 may be the length of two standard tractor-trailers. In some examples the length of the merge portion may be about 20-50 meters.

In the example illustrated, the merge lane 28 has an inner merge lane boundary 44 proximate the through lane 20 and an outer merge lane boundary 46 distal the through lane 20. Along the parallel portion 32, the inner merge lane boundary 44 can be generally co-linear with the inner through lane boundary 22. Along the parallel portion 32 of the merge lane 28, the outer merge lane boundary 46 is generally parallel to, and spaced laterally apart from, the inner merge lane boundary 44. Along at least a downstream portion of the merge portion 34, the outer merge lane boundary 46 includes a terminating portion 47 that converges towards the through lane 20. As illustrated, the outer merge lane boundary 46 typically intersects the outer through lane boundary 22 at the termination 42. The inner merge lane boundary 44 and inner through lane boundary 22 can be absent along the merge portion 34, to indicate that vehicles are urged to merge from the merge lane into the through lane 20.

As mentioned above, the terminating portion 47 of the outer merge lane boundary 46 of the merge portion 34 that converges towards the outer through lane boundary 22 generally corresponds with the termination 42 (or terminal end) of the merge lane 28. The terminating portion 47 can generally be angled at an acute angle (measured from a zero degree line co-linear with the direction of travel and sweeping counter-clockwise when viewed from above). In the example illustrated, the termination is aligned at about a 45-degree angle. The width of the merge portion 34 reduces from the width 30 of the parallel portion 32 (i.e. the width of the merge lane 28) to a width of zero along the terminating portion 47.

The merge system 10 can include a lane change inhibitor 48, which may be positioned between the through lane 20 and the parallel portion 32 of the merge lane 28. The lane change inhibitor 48 can indicate to drivers driving vehicles on both the first roadway 12, and the second roadway 18, that they should not change lanes laterally across the merge lane 28 and the through lane 20, for example when adjacent to the parallel portion 32. In some examples, the lane change inhibitor 48 may be configured to inhibit traffic from crossing laterally between the parallel portion 32 and the through lane 20.

In one example the lane change inhibitor 48 comprises a solid line superimposed on the collinear inner boundaries 22, 42 of the through lane and merge lane 20, 28. For example, the lane change inhibitor 48 may include a continuous solid strip of paint applied to the roadway surface that borders both the parallel portion 32 of the merge lane 28 and the through lane 20. In other examples, a plurality of solid lines may be used as the lane change inhibitor 48. The system can include an indication to drivers that crossing over the lane change inhibitor 48 is prohibited. The lane change inhibitor can include a sign proximate the parallel portion 32 indicating that crossing between the through lane 20 and parallel portion 32 is prohibited. Fines or other adverse consequences for failure to obey this rule can also be posted, and/or this rule can be passed into law. Furthermore, the lane change inhibitor 48 may include a physical barrier, for example a concrete median or a fence, such as a chain link fence. The lane change inhibitor 48 can include one or more rows of tire puncturing spikes.

The merge system 10 may also include a merge indicator 50 associated with the merge portion 34 of the merge lane 28. The merge indicator generally indicates to drivers driving on both the first roadway 12, and the second roadway 18, that vehicles in the merge lane 28 should be merging into the through lane 20, for example, when adjacent to the merge portion 34. The merge indicator 50 may be a symbol or text painted on the surface of the merge lane 28 and/or through lane 20, for example, located within the merge portion 34. As illustrated, the merge indicator 50 may include at least one arrow marker pointing from the merge portion 34 towards the through lane 20, and in particular, may include a plurality of arrow markers. The absence of any marked inner boundary 22, 44 between the lanes 20, 28 along the merge portion 34 can further provide a merge indicator 50. Along the merge portion 34, the delineation between the through lane 20 and merge lane 28 (i.e. where the collinear inner boundaries 22, 44 would otherwise be located) is free of the lane change inhibitor 48.

In some examples (not shown) the merge indicator 50 may include a traffic sign located adjacent to the merge portion 34. In some example, there may be a traffic sign located prior to the merge portion 34, which may indicate that drivers should prepare to merge. Accordingly, the merge indicator 50 may include a plurality of traffic signs, which may be used to point from the merge portion 34 to the through lane 20 as well as prepare drivers for merging.

The merge system 10 may also include a yield indicator 52. The yield indicator 52 is typically associated with the through lane 20 of the first roadway 12. The yield indicator 52 generally indicates to drivers driving on the first roadway 12 that they should yield to vehicles merging from the merge portion 34 of the merge lane 28 to the through lane 20, for example, when adjacent to the merge portion 34. The yield indicator 52 is typically located near the distal end 40 of the parallel portion 32. In some examples the yield indicator 52 is located prior to the distal end 40 of parallel portion 32. This location may indicate to a driver of a vehicle in the through lane 20, that they should prepare to yield to merging traffic. In some examples, the yield indicator 52 may indicate to a driver, of a vehicle on the through lane 20, that they should yield to at least one vehicle merging from the merge lane 28 to the through lane 20. Following the merge, the vehicles can continue to travel on the first roadway 12 towards the downstream end 16. In other examples, the yield indicator 52 may indicate to a driver of a vehicle on the through lane 20 that they should yield to a plurality of vehicles merging from the merge lane 28 to the through lane 20.

Similar, to the merge indicator 50, the yield indicator 52 may include symbols or text painted on the surface of the through lane 20, and/or traffic signs. For example, the yield indicator 52 may be a conventional triangular symbol for indicating a yield condition, such as a hollow red triangle with a white background. In other examples the yield indicator 52 may include a textual message, for example, “Yield to one Vehicle”. In other examples the yield indicator 52 may include a combination of a textual message and a symbol.

The merge system 10 can alternatively or additionally include a plurality of first spacing markers 54 associated with the through lane 20. Optionally, the merge system 10 can include a plurality of second spacing markers 56 associated with the merge lane 28. The spacing markers 54, 56 can be configured to urge vehicles to remain spaced apart from each other in the traffic flow direction. As illustrated, the spacing markers 54 can be spaced far enough apart to permit a vehicle in the merge lane 28 to merge between two vehicles traveling in the through lane 20 that are spaced apart by the length of at least one complete spacing marker 54.

Generally, each spacing marker 54, 56 has a first (leading or upstream) end 58 and a second (trailing or downstream) end 60. The distance between the first end 58 and the second end 60 defines the length of the spacing marker 54, 56. The spacing marker 54, 56 may be any length that can urge two adjacent vehicles in the through lane 20 to remain sufficiently spaced apart by a predetermined spacing distance so that one vehicle from the merge lane can fit between them. In some examples, the length of the spacing marker 54, 56 can be approximately two car lengths, or for example approximately 10 meters. In other examples, the length of the spacing marker 54, 56 can be the length of a standard tractor trailer, for example approximately 15 meters. It is possible that increasing the length of the spacing marker 54, 56 may correspondingly reduce the effectiveness of suggesting vehicle spacing for merging.

In some examples the first spacing markers 54 may be indicated on the surface of the first roadway 12, for example on the surface of the through lane 20. In some examples, the first spacing markers 54 may be painted on the surface of the through lane 20, for example using white and/or yellow paint. Generally there is only one color of paint, but some examples may include two or more colors. The first spacing markers 54 may be a solid painted rectangle defined by the length of the first spacing marker 54, and by the width 26 of the through lane 20. In other examples a series of strips, written text, or any other symbol may be painted on the surface of the through lane 20. The strips, written text, or other symbols may be applied over the length of the spacing marker 54, and over the width 26 of the through lane 20 associated with the spacing marker 54 or portions thereof. Similarly, the second spacing markers 56 may be indicated on the surface of the merge lane 28 using paint, for example as rectangles, strips, written text or any other symbol or combination thereof. The colors or symbols associated with the first spacing markers 54 may be different than the colors or symbols associated with the second spacing markers 56.

In some examples, the spacing markers 54, 56 may be indicated on signs (not shown) posted adjacent to the first roadway 12 or the second roadway 18 respectively. For example, signs indicating the first spacing markers 54 may be placed just off the shoulder adjacent to the through lane 20, similar to conventional road signs. Accordingly, a series of signs can be posted adjacent to the through lane 20 at distances equivalent to the lengths of the first spacing markers 54. The signs may display any visual indicator, such as a textual message, or a symbol indicating the suggested vehicle spacing to a driver. In some examples, both signs and painted indications on the surface of the roadways (e.g. the through lane 20 or the merge lane 28), may be used as the spacing markers 54, 56.

First gaps 62 are provided between each of the first spacing markers 54 associated with the through lane 20. The each of the first gaps 62 has a length defined by the distance between consecutive first spacing markers 54. In some examples, the lengths of the first gaps 62 are the same as the lengths of the first spacing markers 54. In other examples, the lengths of the first gaps 62 may be greater or less than the lengths of the first spacing markers 54. Similarly, there are second gaps 64 provided between the second spacing markers 56 on the merge lane 28.

Typically, the gaps 62, 64 are left unpainted and are otherwise unmarked. For example, the surface of the through lane 20 is generally exposed in the area of the first gaps 62. This yields a surface on the through lane 20 that may conspicuously differentiate the first markings 56 from the first gaps 62.

In other examples, paint or other markings can be applied to the gaps 62, 64, where such paint or other markings contrasts with the paint or markings associated with the spacing markers 54, 56. For example, if the paint applied to the through lane 20 for the first spacing markers 54 is white, then the paint applied to the through lane 20 for the first gaps 62 may be blue. In some embodiments the paint may be the same color, and the gaps 62, 64 and the spacing markers 54, 56 may include different patterns, for example different styles of hatching. The different colors and/or patterns may help distinguish the two zones.

Generally, the first spacing markers 54 are positioned along a portion of the through lane 20 that is adjacent to the parallel portion 32 of the merge lane 28. In addition, the first spacing markers 54 may be positioned along the through lane 20 upstream of the parallel portion 32 for a specified distance. For example, the first spacing markers may be positioned along the through lane 20 for approximately 1000 meters upstream of the parallel portion 32. In another example the first spacing markers 54 may be positioned along the through lane 20 for approximately 100 meters upstream of the parallel portion 32. The distance the first spacing markers 54 are positioned upstream along the through lane 20 may depend on the speed of the vehicles traveling on the first roadway 12. In some examples, higher speeds can require the spacing markers 54 to be placed a greater distance upstream. Providing spacing markers upstream may provide a driver sufficient time to become adequately spaced for merging. In some examples the first spacing markers 56 may also be positioned along the through lane 20 adjacent the merge portion 34.

Generally, the second spacing markers 56 are positioned along a portion of the merge lane 28 that is adjacent to the parallel portion 32. In addition, the second spacing markers 56 may be positioned along the merge lane 28 upstream of the parallel portion 32 for a specified distance. For example, the second spacing markers 56 may be positioned along both the parallel portion 32 and the ramp portion 34 of the merge lane 28. In one example, the second spacing markers 56 can be positioned along the ramp portion 36 a distance of approximately 200 meters upstream from the proximal end 38 of the parallel portion 32. In other examples the second plurality of markers 54, 56 can be positioned along any length of the ramp portion 36. In some examples the second spacing markers 56 may also be positioned along the merge portion 34.

In examples including a yield indicator 52 and first spacing markers 54, the yield indicator 52 may be located within a first spacing marker 56 near the distal end 40 of the parallel portion 32. In other examples, the yield indicator 52 may be located in other positions, for example separate from the first spacing markers 54.

As illustrated, the first spacing markers 54 may correspond in an alternating fashion to the second spacing markers 56. In the example illustrated, the first spacing markers 54 are longitudinally offset the second spacing markers 56 (in the direction of traffic flow), so that the trailing edge 58 of a first marker 54 in the through lane 20 is generally aligned with, or upstream of, the leading edge 60 of an adjacent second marker 56 in the parallel portion 32 of the merge lane 28. For example, the second gaps 64 can be laterally aligned with the first spacing markers 54 along the parallel portion 32. Likewise, the first gaps 62 can be laterally aligned with the second spacing markers 56 along the parallel portion 32. In some examples, the alternating sequence may continue along other portions of the through lane 20 and the merge lane 28, for example, upstream of the parallel portion 32.

In use, vehicles traveling on the first roadway 12 in the through lane 20 can generally use the first spacing markers 54 to space themselves for merging. For example, the spacing of the vehicles in the through lane 20 may permit a vehicle traveling on the second roadway 18 in the merge lane 28 to merge into the through lane 20. In particular, the spacing may permit safe and efficient merging as compared to conventional merging systems. Furthermore, if there are multiple vehicles traveling in the merge lane 28, those vehicles can use the second spacing markers 56 to space themselves for merging with the spaced vehicles in the through lane 20. Accordingly, the spacing suggestions provided by the spacing markers 54, 56 can aid drivers in preparing for the merging of traffic.

According to the specific example illustrated in FIG. 1, a driver of a vehicle in the through lane 20 may attempt to maintain a spacing of one individual first spacing marker 54 from the vehicle in front of them. Because the first spacing markers 54 and the second spacing markers 56 correspond in an alternating fashion, the space between the vehicles traveling on the through lane 20 may be adjacent to, and may align with, the presence of a vehicle in the merge lane 28. In other words, when the vehicles traveling on the through lane 20 and the merge lane 28 follow the associated spacing markers 54, 56, the vehicles may be staggered. In some instances, a vehicle traveling in the merge lane 28 will be directly adjacent a first gap 62 on the through lane 20. At those same instances, a vehicle traveling in the through lane 20 may be directly adjacent a second gap 64 on the merge lane 28. This staggering of vehicles is intended to aid the merging together of the two streams of traffic.

Utilizing the lane change inhibitor 48, the merge indicator 50, the yield indicator 52, the spacing markers 54, 56, the gaps 62, 64 or combinations thereof, the merging of traffic from a merge lane to a through lane can be improved. In some examples, the traffic may “zipper” together such that as vehicles reach the merge portion 34, they are adequately spaced to merge together smoothly.

According to another example of a merge system, there is a single roadway including a through lane and a merge lane. For example, the roadway may be a highway that is converging from two lanes into one lane.

The through lane includes a first plurality of spacing markers and a gap between each of the first spacing markers. In addition, the merge lane includes a second plurality of spacing markers and a gap between each of the second spacing markers. Generally, the first plurality of spacing markers stagger with the second plurality of spacing markers as described previously to suggest a vehicle spacing for merging. Generally, the staggered first and second plurality of spacing markers are applied to the single roadway for a length along a parallel portion upstream of a merge portion of the single roadway. The parallel portion having spacing markers can be any length, for example 100 meters, 1000 meters, etc. There may also be a lane change inhibitor positioned between the through lane and the merge lane along the parallel portion. At the downstream end of the parallel portion, there may be a merge portion including a merge indicator that suggests a vehicle to merge from the merge lane into the through lane. Furthermore, there may be a yield indicator that indicates a vehicle in the through lane should yield to a vehicle merging from the merge lane. Accordingly, there is a system for suggesting merge spacing for vehicles on a roadway.

In some examples, the merge system described herein may also include corresponding changes to the laws governing vehicles, highways, and other roadways. For example, it may become an offence if a driver changes lanes adjacent to a lane change inhibitor. In some examples, it may become an offence if a driver of a vehicle in a through lane does not follow the directions indicated by a yield indicator. For example, if the yield indicator indicates that the driver must yield to one vehicle, it may be an offence if the driver does not yield to another vehicle in a merge portion of a merge lane.

In some examples, a law enforcement professional may be present to enforce the laws related to the systems for merging traffic. For example a police officer may be present to hand out tickets to drivers not obeying the laws described above.

While the above description provides examples of one or more processes or apparatuses, it will be appreciated that other processes or apparatuses may be within the scope of the accompanying claims. 

1. A system for merging traffic comprising: a) a through lane for conveying traffic in a traffic flow direction; b) a merge lane for introducing additional traffic into the through lane, the merge lane including a parallel portion that is generally parallel to the through lane, and the merge lane including a merge portion, at least a downstream portion of the merge portion converging into the through lane; and c) a lane change inhibitor disposed between the through lane and the parallel portion of the merge lane inhibiting traffic from crossing laterally between the through lane and the parallel portion of the merge lane.
 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of first spacing markers associated with the through lane and configured to urge traffic in the through lane to remain spaced apart in the traffic flow direction by at least a pre-determined spacing distance.
 3. The system of claim 2, further comprising a plurality of second spacing markers associated with the merge lane and configured to urge traffic in the merge lane to remain spaced apart in the traffic flow direction by at least the pre-determined spacing distance, the second spacing markers positioned along at least the parallel portion of the merge lane in an alternating fashion relative to the position of the first spacing markers along the through lane.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the lane change inhibitor comprises a barrier between the through lane and the parallel portion of the merge lane.
 5. The system of claim 1, further comprising a yield indicator associated with the through lane for urging traffic in the through lane to yield to at least one vehicle in the merge portion of the merge lane.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the yield indicator comprises markings on a surface of the through lane viewable by approaching drivers in the though lane.
 7. The system of claim 1, further comprising a merge indicator configured to urge traffic from the merge lane to the through lane along the merge portion of the merge lane.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the merge indicator comprises at least one arrow pointing in a direction from the merge lane to the through lane.
 9. A system for merging traffic comprising: a) a through lane for conveying traffic in a traffic flow direction; b) a merge lane for introducing additional traffic into the through lane, the merge lane including a parallel portion that is generally parallel to the through lane, and the merge lane including a merge portion, at least a downstream portion of the merge portion converging into the through lane; and c) a yield indicator associated with the through lane urging traffic in the through lane to allow at least one vehicle to enter the through lane from the merge portion of the merge lane.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the yield indicator comprises markings on a surface of the through lane viewable by drivers in the though lane.
 11. The system of claim 9, further comprising a plurality of first spacing markers associated with the through lane and configured to urge traffic in the through lane to remain spaced apart in the traffic flow direction by at least a pre-determined spacing distance
 12. The system of claim 11, further comprising a plurality of second spacing markers associated with the merge lane and configured to urge traffic in the merge lane to remain spaced apart in the traffic flow direction by at least the pre-determined spacing distance.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the first spacing markers correspond in an alternating fashion to the second spacing markers along at least the parallel portion of the merge lane.
 14. The system of claim 10, further comprising a merge indicator configured to urge traffic from the merge lane to the through lane along the merge portion of the merge lane.
 15. The system of claim 15, wherein the merge indicator comprises at least one arrow pointing in a direction from the merge lane to the through lane.
 16. A system for merging traffic comprising: a) a through lane for conveying vehicular traffic in a traffic flow direction; b) a merge lane for introducing additional vehicular traffic into the through lane, the merge lane including a parallel portion that is generally parallel to the through lane, and the merge lane including a merge portion, at least a downstream portion of the merge portion converging into the through lane; c) a merge indicator configured to urge traffic from the merge lane to the through lane along the merge portion of the merge lane; d) a plurality of first spacing markers associated with the through lane and configured to urge adjacent vehicles in the through lane to remain spaced apart in the traffic flow direction by at least a pre-determined spacing distance; and e) a plurality of second spacing markers associated with the merge lane and configured to urge adjacent vehicles in the merge lane to remain spaced apart in the traffic flow direction by at least the pre-determined spacing distance, and to remain spaced apart in the traffic flow direction from adjacent vehicles in the through lane.
 17. The system of claim 16, further comprising a lane change inhibitor disposed between the through lane and the parallel portion of the merge lane and inhibiting traffic from crossing laterally between the through lane and the parallel portion of the merge lane;
 18. The system of claim 17, further comprising a yield indicator associated with the through lane for urging traffic in the through lane to yield to at least one vehicle in the merge portion of the merge lane.
 19. The system of claim 18, wherein the first spacing markers correspond in an alternating fashion to the second spacing markers along at least the parallel portion of the merge lane.
 20. The system of claim 18, wherein each of the first spacing markers and the second spacing markers has a leading end, a trailing end, and a length extending between the leading and trailing ends, wherein the trailing ends of the first markers are generally aligned with the leading ends of the second markers along at least the parallel portion of the merge lane. 